2025 End of Year Celebration P3 We are making it easier to contact us! P5 Spring Gardening Competition winners P7 Summer 2025
Residents at our 2025 Victorian End of Year Celebration.
HChoicesAU
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Hannah Harvey Executive Director – Customer Services Foreword from
Welcome to a new year with Housing Choices. As we step into 2026, I’m pleased to share some updates, reflections, and news from across our communities. We ended last year on a high with our end-of-year lunches across the country. These events were a wonderful way for our residents to enjoy a shared meal, connect with staff and neighbours, and celebrate the end of another year together. Thank you to
everyone who came along and helped make them such a positive way to finish 2025. Reflecting on the year that has been we have made a huge impact with delivering several development projects across the country including 210 new homes that add to our social and affordable housing stock and house more people in secure accommodation. I also want to sincerely thank all residents who completed our 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey in December. Your feedback plays a central role in shaping our direction as an organisation. It helps us understand our residents’ experiences, focus on what matters most to you, and continue strengthening the services we provide. We look forward to sharing the results with you in our next edition. We’re also pleased to share that this February marks the launch of our new digital Contact Centre, designed to make it easier for our residents to connect with
us in the way that suits them best. Whether you prefer to call, email, message, or use new digital channels, you will have more choice and a smoother experience when you get in touch. You’ll find more information in this edition about the launch, what it means for you, and what to expect. I am also pleased to share that Housing Choices Australia has been awarded a grant from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to develop a Disability Inclusive Housing Workforce. Co-design focus groups with Victorians with lived experience of disability have provided valuable insights that are guiding this work. You can read more in this edition, with further updates to come as the project continues into 2026. As we look to the year ahead, we’ll keep building on our foundations and delivering services shaped by what matters most to residents. I wish everyone a great start to the year.
Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Above: group photo of all attendees at our end-of-year celebration.
2025 End-of-Year Celebration
In December, residents, families and supports came together at the Drill Hall in Melbourne for our Victorian end-of-year celebration. With around 130 residents attending, the afternoon was full of shared food, laughter and connection. Guests enjoyed face painting, circus skills, photo magnets and a beautiful performance by the Melbourne Contemporary Choir, with MC Brian Nankervis keeping everyone smiling throughout the day. It was wonderful to see residents catching up with friends, meeting new people and celebrating the year together. A big thank you to the many staff who supported the event—helping set up activities, welcome residents, and create such a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The day was a lovely opportunity to pause, reflect and appreciate the people who make our communities feel like home.
Above: Residents and Housing Choices Australia staff enjoying the celebration (top left and top right). Residents enjoying a visit from Santa (bottom left) and the amazing Melbourne Contemporary Choir (bottom right).
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Above: resident artwork being admired.
Above right: Community Engagement Officer Alex (left) with resident artist Lea (right).
In October 2025, residents, families and supports came together at Kindred Cameras in Docklands for our annual Home is Where the Art is exhibition. Now in its sixth year, this much-loved event has grown from a small idea in 2019 into a vibrant showcase of creativity, connection and self-expression. This year featured more than 70 artworks from over 30 resident artists. Home is Where the Art is continues to be shaped by the voices of our residents. Our Resident Art Committee helped plan the competition and exhibition and our Victorian Resident Advisory Committee judged the artworks, assessing each piece on interpretation, creativity, originality and technique. Creativity on show: Home is Where the Art is 2025
Above: Pet social winner Jeff the tabby cat.
The exhibition launch was filled with colour and conversation as residents viewed the artwork and celebrated the well- deserved winners across the award categories. Many shared how proud they felt seeing their work displayed professionally and how meaningful it was to connect with fellow artists. The exhibition remained open until early November and was a wonderful reminder of how creativity brings people together. We look forward to seeing what our resident artists create in 2026. Want to see more? Scan the QR code to watch highlights from the exhibit, hear from residents, and see some amazing art.
Pet Social is a regular feature in every Home Stories newsletter, celebrating the joy, comfort and companionship pets bring into our lives. To kick off 2026, we’re excited to introduce Jeff , a beautiful short-haired tabby cat loved by his owner, Kerryn. Jeff joined Kerryn’s life four years ago after being found in a cardboard box and given to her as a Christmas present. Kerryn says she likes to think “he saved me more than I saved him,” reflecting the special bond they share. Jeff enjoys spending time on the balcony, relaxing in the warm sun and socialising with other cats in the neighbourhood. He’s a calm, steady presence in Kerryn’s home and a much-loved companion. Do you have a pet who makes your life better? We’d love to include them in a future edition. Send your favourite pet photos and a short story to communitydevelopmentvic @hcau.org.au Pet Social for your chance to win a $100 Petbarn or Petstock gift card.
Below: Community Engagement Officer Alex (far right) with Resident Art Committee Members.
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We are making it easier to contact us!
What’s changing? For all your enquiries including maintenance you can now reach us using: • One phone number • One email address • New digital options: SMS, WhatsApp, and website Live Chat All enquiries go to the same Contact Centre team and are recorded in one system. This means you won’t need to repeat your details, and our team can help you faster. Our Contact Centre is staffed by experienced Customer Service Officers who work from our Housing Choices offices. Having one team and one system helps us respond quickly, provide more consistent service, and better understand your needs over time. From Monday 2 February 2026, Housing Choices will have a new Contact Centre and updated contact details. This will help us respond faster, provide consistent service, and make it easier for you to get the help you need.
Our new contact details From Monday 2 February 2026 , you can contact us via:
Phone: 1300 312 447
Email: contact@hcau.org.au
SMS & WhatsApp text function: 0451 266 242
Live Chat: housingchoices.org.au
You’ll also see these details on the fridge magnet and flyer included with this newsletter.
Transition period Our old contact methods will remain active for a short period to make the change smooth. Over time, the new details will replace our maintenance hotlines, local phone numbers and emails.
If you have questions or need help, please get in touch. Our team is ready to support you.
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Every year we celebrate the creativity and care our residents put into their gardens through our Spring Garden Competition. We had some amazing entries this year and we’re delighted to introduce the winning gardens and the residents who brought them to life. Spring Gardening Competition winners
Best Indoor Sanctuary – Irene (above) At 96 years young Irene has created a peaceful indoor garden filled with greenery and personal touches. Her indoor sanctuary celebrates two of her greatest loves; her family and the Richmond Football Club, with family photos and Richmond coloured pots featured throughout the garden.
Best Outdoor Oasis – Nanette (right and centre-right) Nanette has transformed her inner city balcony into her first ever garden, filled with succulents, flowers and colourful ornaments, which according to Nanette you can never have enough of! Nanette’s garden attracts many bees and birds and gives her a meaningful connection to nature in the heart of the CBD. Best Veggie Garden – Manija & North Melbourne Community Garden (above) Manija finds joy and calm in tending the North Melbourne Community Garden, where residents grow herbs and flowers. She loves the steady rhythm of gardening and the reminder that growth takes time, patience and care.
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Staying safe this bushfire season We have already seen many bushfires across the country this Summer so it’s important to take a few simple steps to keep your home and household safe during bushfire season. Prepare your home and garden Clear away dry leaves, branches and rubbish from balconies, courtyards and garden areas. Regularly mow lawns and trim back dry or overgrown plants where you can, especially near doors, windows and air-conditioning units. If using a BBQ this summer, keep it away from flammable materials, never leave it unattended, and make sure to turn it off after use. Be ready for emergencies Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app , visiting emergency.vic.gov.au or calling the VicEmergency Hotline at 1800 226 226. Have a bushfire plan, especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area so you know what to pack, when to leave and where to go. For advice and examples of bushfire safety plans, visit your state emergency services website or app listed above.
Above: Participants and staff at our second co-design session.
Residents shape new disability-inclusive resources Housing Choices Australia been awarded grant from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to develop new disability-inclusive resources for residents and training for our staff. A central part of this project is co-design with people with disability, guided by the principle “nothing about us, without us”. Throughout 2025 residents took part in focus groups facilitated by VALID, the Victorian advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability. The purpose of these focus groups is to consult with people with lived experience, including people who are living in our SDA homes, to share their views and advice to shape the project. Housing Choices Interim CEO, Michael Lennon attended the most recent focus group to thank the participants for their contribution to this important project. The insights from these focus groups will directly inform the development of accessible videos and resources for residents with disability, as well as new training modules for Housing Choices staff.
Have you thought about contents insurance?
Contents insurance is optional, but it can help protect your personal belongings if they’re damaged or lost due to accidents or emergencies, such as a fire. Having cover in place can provide peace of mind. If you’re considering contents insurance, take time to find a provider and level of cover that suits your needs and budget.
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Home Stories Summer puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher! To celebrate our diverse and multicultural country– our crossword is filled with delicious foods from around the world. Find all the words in the word search except for one, which is not actually in the grid. Words may be forward, backward, up, down or diagonal.
AWXTPHCREPERE OSPUIATYNMVIN PUHMZNEBXZQSC TSGFZBJLKWAOH JHLYAXSELFVTI K IMCHIWKRAATL STRUDELZBALOA FALAFELAKPKID KHOSUMMUHYAQA DUMPL INGQRBOP IDBIRYANIVBYL
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID: Sushi Paella Hummus Kimchi Pizza Gelato Enchilada Baklava Falafel Crepe Dumpling Risotto Biryani Strudel Injera
Tell us the remaining word for a chance to win a $50 Bunnings voucher! Send us your answer before Friday 27 March 2026 by: Email: communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au Post: Level 3, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Only one entry per household is allowed. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. Good luck!
Useful contacts
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Victorian Government free Energy Assistance Program: 1800 161 215 SANE: www.sane.org/
Anglicare Emergency Relief: 1800 809 722 or find a service: www.anglicarevic.org.au/ our-services/financial- counselling/
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Lifeline: 13 11 14 QLife: 1800 184 527
Preston Office 137 High Street Preston VIC 3072
Head Office Level 3, 350 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
1300 312 447 housingchoices.org.au facebook.com/HChoicesAU
Disclaimer: To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s knowledge (Housing Choices), this information is valid at the time of publication. Housing Choices makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. Housing Choices expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of information provided. Housing Choices recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.
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